GRANTS, REBATES & OTHER PROGRAMS AND SUPPORTS
On this page:
> CaféTO Property Improvement Program - APPLY BY JUNE 17, 2024
> Commercial Façade Improvement Grant Program
> Commercial Space Rehabilitation Grant Program
> Save on Energy
> CaféTO
> YES Youth Employment Services
CaféTO Property Improvement Program
The CaféTO Property Improvement Program is a cost-share grant that covers 50% of the costs to improve the appearance and/or function of commercial patios, sidewalk cafes and curb lane cafes, up to a maximum amount of $5,000 (based on a minimum of $10,000 of improvements). It is available to owners and tenants of street-level commercial and industrial properties in Toronto. Funding can include patio improvements on private property and spaces on public property for which a valid permit has been issued.
Applications are accepted until June 17, 2024, or when annual funds are expended, whichever comes first.
Additional grant funding of up to $2,500 is available for exterior accessibility improvements.
Commercial Façade Improvement Grant Program
Improving the appearance of a building’s façade enhances neighbourhood streetscapes and provides a more welcoming environment for the public to work, shop and live.
The Commercial Façade Improvement Grant Program provides FREE funding to commercial and industrial property owners to redesign, renovate or restore commercial or industrial building façades. Half of the cost of eligible improvements to commercial or industrial building façades is covered and will be based on the lowest contractor estimate submitted with the application. The minimum grant is $2,500 for $5,000 worth of improvements, with a maximum of $12,500 for $25,000 worth of improvements.
Applications are accepted until the annual deadline, or when annual funds are expended, whichever comes first.
Eligibility improvements include, but are not limited to, masonry, brick cleaning and restoration, new doors, new windows, outdoor decorative or security lighting, outdoor entrance tiling, installation of canopies or awnings, repair of cornice, parapets and other architectural features, outdoor wall mounted signs, and exterior painting as part of the eligible improvements. Wheelchair accessibility ramping, accessible railings and accessible door openers that meet Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) standards are also eligible. Note: a minimum of 3 eligible improvements are required for an application.
Commercial Space Rehabilitation Grant Program
The Commercial Space Rehabilitation Grant Program is a cost-share grant that will cover 50% of the costs of interior improvements to vacant commercial properties at street level, up to $20,000 (based on a minimum of $40,000 of improvements). Additional funding may be available for AODA upgrades and multi-unit commercial properties.
Save on Energy
The Save on Energy Small Business program is designed to help small businesses across Ontario, with 50 or fewer employees, make equipment improvements to reduce their energy consumption at no cost. Your business could receive incentives of up to $3,000 for eligible lighting equipment and up to $2,500 for eligible non-lighting equipment.
CaféTO
CaféTO is a City of Toronto program that provides space for expanded outdoor dining areas. Businesses can apply for sidewalk café permits or register for curb lane cafés by visiting the CaféTO website. Café operators are also eligible for grants to help cover the cost of eligible property or site improvements related to curb lane café installations, sidewalk cafés or patios on private property, through the CaféTO Property Improvement Program.
YES Youth Employment Services
YES is a not-for-profit agency that has been providing youth with employment support since 1968. It is an Employment Ontario program that is funded by the Ontario Government. There are many benefits to using YES Employer Services, such as:
Free job posting service
Free applicant interviews and onsite job fairs
Pre-screening of candidates
Wage subsidy
Employment Consultants to assist the process
Visit www.yes.on.ca/employers to learn about programs such as the Youth Job Connection (YJC) program at www.yes.on.ca/youth-job-connection.